Our mission is to help Gallogly and Mewbourne students learn and practice the skills they will need to be effective and ethical leaders now and throughout their careers.
General Holmes was born in 1935, in Jenks, Okla., and graduated from Wewoka High School in 1953. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geological engineering in 1958 and a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering in 1964, both from the University of Oklahoma. The general completed Squadron Officer School in 1965, National War College in 1976 and the Harvard University program for senior executives in national and international security in 1985.
While at OU, Holmes was in the USAF ROTC, Engineers’ Club, Society of Geological Engineering and on the Dean’s Honor Roll. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, he was commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Airborne Early Warning Force in Mons, Belgium. His honors include Defense Distinguished Service Medal; U.S. Air Force Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters; U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal; and Outstanding Unit Award with V for Valor in combat. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame; the Gallogly College of Engineering Distinguished Graduate Society; the Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame; and the Quarter Century Club. He is a five-time recipient of the Alumni Teaching Award in the Gallogly College of Engineering.
For nearly 30 years, he has served on the Gallogly College of Engineering Board of Visitors and as past chair of the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board. When Gallogly College enhanced its curriculum with professional development, Holmes developed a leadership, management and ethics course for engineers. He continues to mentor students and encourages them to learn and serve. Additionally, he served on Gallogly College’s Dean Search Committee, Advisory Council and Centennial Committee. He supports curriculum reviews, evaluates senior capstone projects and speaks regularly to classes and student groups.
His legacy will continue in the Jerry Holmes Leadership Program and Jerry Holmes Student Scholarship for Engineering.
Learn more about the general:
